With the weather getting colder and the vacations fast approaching, why not bring the whole family along? visit one of Amsterdam's aquariums?
Today, I'd like to take you on a journey of discovery of the underwater world.
Aquarium in Amsterdam: article summary
Aquarium in Amsterdam: Bergen aan Zee
About 9 kilometers west of Alkmaar lies Bergen aan Zee, a coastal town with a magnificent aquarium. Zee Aquarium Bergen aan Zee boasts more than 300 different species of fish, over 800,000 liters of water and around 4,000 fish.
The aquarium has recently been renovated and enlarged, making it even more beautiful and offering visitors the chance to stroke a ray at Ray Reef, watch seals play in their new pool and come face-to-face with great sharks and flying scorpion fish.
Take a journey through the Amazon jungle to the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea before venturing into the North Sea, while discovering incredible fish and sea creatures in this enchanting aquarium.
What are our opening hours?
The aquarium opens:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April to September
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October to March
Ecomare
Right on the island of Texel, you'll find Ecomare. In this aquarium, you can see seals, porpoises and other marine animals, and learn more about the World Heritage of the Wadden Sea, the North Sea and nature in Texel.
There are also daily activities and excursions. to make your visit even more exciting.
Visit the Ecomare marine aquarium to admire dozens of species of fish, starfish and crustaceans in open-air tanks.
Each aquarium recreates a specific habitat, and when the fish are fed at 2:30 p.m., the animal keeper can tell you all about it. You can also watch seals and porpoises being fed.
What are the opening hours?
Ecomare opens :
- every day 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aquarium in Amsterdam: SEA LIFE Scheveningen
As its name suggests, SEA LIFE Scheveningen is located in Scheveningen, on the boulevard near the pier. The aquarium is home to a wide range of fish and other marine species. Once there, you'll be spoilt for choice.
There are also plenty of animals to see, such as seahorses, jellyfish and stingrays. And be sure to catch one of the times when they feed the animals, programmed throughout the day.
What are the opening hours?
SEA LIFE Scheveningen opening times vary according to the time of year. For more information, please visit visit their website.
The dolphinarium
Not exactly an aquarium, but certainly a great place to see marine life, the Hardewijk Delphinarium offers you a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with their dolphins, sea lions and other aquatic animals.
If you're a sea lion or dolphin enthusiast, it's also possible to have your photo taken with one of them in an interactive session.
There are also many other activities you can book, such as having breakfast next to the dolphins and walruses or, for children aged 8 to 12, enjoying an overnight adventure and sleeping with the dolphins.
If you simply want to relax for a while, the park also offers a garden area for sunbathing and a terrace, as well as a water amusement park with dozens of slides.
Don't forget bring your sunscreen and swimsuit if you're interested!
What are the opening hours?
Unfortunately, the Dolfinarium is closed in winter, but opens :
- Every day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1 to October 30.
Aquarium in Amsterdam: Blijdorp Zoo
Diergaarde Blijdorp, otherwise known as Rotterdam Zoo, has a fantastic zoo, but what you may not know, is that it also houses a spectacular aquarium.
The Oceanium, as it's called, takes you on a magical journey to the bottom of the sea and along the coastal region. Walking through the Oceanium, you'll feel as if you're walking through the ocean, as you're completely engulfed in a glass tube, allowing you to see marine life like never before.
The view is truly breathtaking, and among other marine animals, you'll be able to see sharks, jellyfish, sea lions and king penguins.
If you're keen to see piranhas, venture into the Amazonica enclosure, which is also Europe's largest butterfly paradise. Filled with butterflies, you'll feel like you've been transported to the Amazon. Of course, you can spot more than butterflies.
What are the opening hours?
Rotterdam Zoo opens :
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer
There are many aquariums in Amsterdam. If you'd like to spend some time with the family, I recommend you visit one of the aquariums I've described above. You'll be able to enjoy the company of these aquatic animals while sharing a moment with your loved ones.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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